How do I make this decision?

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noonrider
noonrider Member Posts: 464
edited July 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

I'm 47. I have 5 kids at home who need a significant amount of care. (all have Down syndrome) I was diagnosed with IDC this spring and just finished my 3rd round of chemo with one left. I'm waiting for my genetic testing to come back, of + I'll have a mastectomy in Sept, if not then radiation starting the end of August. 

Only now I'm changing my mind. My side effects were terrible. My GI system is now a mess and who knows if it'll ever full recover? I don't ever want to do this again. I don't ever want to put my husband through this again (his previous wife died from breast cancer, later found to be BRCA 1&2, in 2001) I don't want to put my kids through this again. No…no I think I just want them off. 

Tell me, oh sisters of reconstruction….if you have a DMX preventatively is the end result better than if its done because you have cancer (again)? 

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  • Lakegirl1
    Lakegirl1 Member Posts: 316
    edited July 2014

    Lespring...You and I have talked on another thread.  I just want to be sure I understand what you are asking, are you asking if your risk has been eliminated all together?  Our diagnoses are very similar.  I, too started with Lumpectomy, but changed to bmx as they did not get clear margins.  They offer lump again, but after talking to the PS, decided to go bmx.  If I hadn't, they would have recommended radiation.  Due to the size of the mass and then the add'l tissue removed, then radiation on top of that.... the cosmetic outcome would not have been good.  And..they would have had to do a reduction on the rt.  I was looking to get this done as quickly as possible, eliminate as much risk as possible and not have to do radiation.  As there is no way to remove ALL breast tissue, there is a chance for recurrence, but it is GREATLY reduced.  Even though I had staph infection, I found the surgery part much easier than the chemo and would still do the same again.    

    Hope that helps...

    Happy 4th!!!

    Janice

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    lespring-  I was dx with IDSC Stage 0 and opted to have a bilateral mastectomy.  With the age of my kids (I have 2), I just did not want to deal with the other breast at a later date (strong history in family).  It was the right decision for me and I don't regret it.  I had the PBMX with TEs inserted on May 5th and am awaiting my exchange surgery in August.  I did not have to have chemo or radiation so it made sense for me.  No, you can't completely eliminate the possibilities but as Janice said, it is greatly reduced.  Just know you will make the right decision for you!  This Board is a great place to ask questions, get feedback, vent frustrations...just know, you are not alone.

    Ally

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  • Bren58
    Bren58 Member Posts: 1,048
    edited July 2014

    lespring, as the others have said there is no guarantee that a BMX will mean you never get BC again as you can see by my history. However it does greatly reduce your odds. My case was very rare. The important thing is that you make the right decision for you and your situation. Get all the facts, know the potential risks, then go with what you know you can live with.

    In my situation I decided on a BMX even though it was not the recommendation of my BS. As far as outcome, my BC side does not look exactly like my prophy side because they had to take more tissue on the BC side to make sure they got all the cancer. But also my BC side is my dominant side so that muscle get used more. My implants are under the pec muscles. If I had to do it all over again I would do the same thing. No regrets.

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